Frequently Asked Questions

When will there be an end to feelings of chaos and disorder surrounding my life?

Will there be a way for everyone in our family to have our financial needs met?

Separation and divorce are, for many, trying and defining events in life. Just as in the grief process for any loss, separation and divorce may involve intense feelings of pain, anger, guilt, sadness, and more. These feelings are hard to avoid in a transition often defined by anger, conflict, betrayal, and financial uncertainty. This is true for children of the marriage as well as adults.

These are very important questions. In the beginning, the experience of separation or divorce may feel overwhelming. In reality, the process can be a series of manageable tasks. It must be remembered that separation or divorce is like many other transitions in life — it can hold the promise of relief, growth, and healing if the right path is taken.

The goal of the Collaborative Process is to help divorcing couples create a good foundation for the future. We strive to help couples take the uncertainty out of their divorce. This is accomplished by having professionals available to assist each spouse in every aspect of the process, by providing flat fees for legal services, and by empowering each person to make sound decisions for themselves and their children. The Collaborative Process is most different than mediation in that each spouse is represented by their own attorney.

Divorce is usually thought of as only a legal process: couples hire lawyers, go to court, and come out with some paperwork that officially ends the marriage in the eyes of the law (even though couples with children know the parenting relationship will continue).

However, there is another option for divorce. In 2003, the Collaborative Process was incorporated in Chapter 50 of the North Carolina General Statutes. In the Collaborative Process, Collaborative Professionals understand that separation or divorce is much more than just a legal process. It is an emotional and financial journey that includes a legal event which is one step along the way. Just as marriage is much more than a “piece of paper,” the process of divorce is far more than simply “signing the final agreement.”

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Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is general information and is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice or advertisement for legal services. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. The Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell, P.A. welcomes your calls and electronic mail. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. The Law Offices of Ashley-Nicole Russell, P.A. limits its practice to the State of North Carolina.